Genetics Analysis of Rf Gene in Chilli Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

The inability to develop functional pollen is caused by cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), a maternally inherited trait. Restorer-of-fertility (Rf), a nuclear gene, could cause normal pollen production in CMS plants, resulting in fertility in the plant. This paper aimed to study the inheritance of restoration of fertility traits in both Sweet pepper and Hot pepper. The study was conducted in the Indian agricultural research institute, Katrain regional station, India. Genetic analysis of fertility restoration was performed on the progeny of chilli and sweet pepper. KTCA 5 (cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile line-Sweet pepper), KTCA 10 (cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile line-Sweet pepper. F2 segregation population and back cross BC1 population obtained from an F1 hybrid between KTCR 15 (a fertility restorer line).  The fertility of the test-crossed lines was assessed under open field conditions using pollen related criteria.  The fertility restoration trait segregated in 3:1 and 1:1 F2 segregation populations and backcrossed BC1 populations respectively in both Sweet Pepper and Hot pepper backgrounds. This indicates single dominant gene inheritance of the Rfgene. There is no effect of CMS background on the restoration trait inheritance.